QuestionDear Dr. Ramirez,
I have been TTC for 2.5 years and had a miscarriage at 6 weeks pregnant 1.5 years ago (conceived naturally).
This week I did a blood test for Chlamydia antibodies (IgG, IgM and IgA), among other tests, as part of my check up for IVF, which I intend to do next month. IgA was negative, IgG positive and IgM positive (1:8, being the reference value for negative "less than 1:8").
I have recently done a histeroscopy that showed that my uterine cavity was normal (no adhesions, polyps, fibroids or signs of infection/inflammation). Biopsy was done but pathological agents were not investigated (I don't know why). I did a HSG two years ago and it showed that tubes were not blocked.
I have recurrent UTIs, which are not too bad, and most of the time go away if I drink a lot of water to flush the bacteria out. When they are bad, my doctor asks for a uroculture test, in which most of the time no bacteria will grow. Then I get a prescription for an antibiotic specific for UTI-causing bacteria. I get the UTIs mostly after having intercourse.
I've asked in the lab if Chlamydia is one of the bacteria tested when they culture from the urine sample and they said it's not. But after reading a bit about Chlamydia it seems it too can cause UTIs.
So, should I be concerned about my fertility and ask my doctor for more exams or just be treated with the right antibiotics? In that case what would be the best treatment (antibody and dosage) and for how long should I be treated to be sure that Chlamydia is gone? Do I need to retest for Chlamydia antibodies after the treatment?
As always, thank you so much for your time!
AnswerHello Cynthia from Brazil,
The Chlamydia needs to be treated and it is a simple treatment. I don't know what is available in Brazil but in the U.S. it can be treated with one dose of Azithromycin 1 gm. Other than that, there is nothing more than needs to be done. We do not retest for Chlamydia antibodies.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
